Social Security office says some people are getting ripped off

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — You need a Social Security card to get a job or just about any government benefits, but some people aren’t aware that you don’t have to pay for a card.

Local offices are seeing people get cheated out of their money.

Loren Bankston’s little girl needs a new Social Security card.

“Since preschool sign ups are now, I’m getting another one because I lost it,” she said.

Loren did her research and asked questions before getting a new card; the Social Security Administration said that’s a smart thing to do.

“I just Googled ‘Social Security’ and saw where the office is and in the title bracket where you Google it, it said you could get it for free and when I clicked to go to the actual site, it said so,” Bankston added.

Some people aren’t so lucky. Local social security offices are warning people you can’t apply for a card online, and they’re free.

They’re seeing victims who already gave a scam artist their credit card info online. Some even had a receipt to prove it.

“What goes around comes around. If someone’s less fortunate and being taken advantage of; it won’t last long. They will get caught. They will pay for that,” said Miriam Evans.

When WREG did a Google search, bogus pay sites came up as the top two webpages, not the Social Security Administration’s website.

If this happens to you, you should contact the Better Business Bureau or your local credit card company.